European stock markets are heading for a lower open Friday, rounding off a largely negative week for global stocks as third-quarter earnings season has ramped up.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 has shed 1.14% in the week to date, though managed a slight gain Thursday.
Corporate results have proven a mixed bag, with many banks beating expectations but investor sentiment remaining wary.
On Friday, Mercedes reported a 64% plunge in operating profit in its core cars division, blaming "weaker macroeconomic conditions and fierce competition, mainly in Asia."
High-end European drinks firms are being hit by higher duties on their Chinese exports, in a retaliatory move for European Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Persons:
Mercedes, Remy Cointreau
Organizations:
European
Locations:
Asia, U.S